Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon Roll Cake is an easy homemade dessert that combines the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a soft, fluffy sheet cake. Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and cinnamon, this baked cinnamon swirl cake features a rich brown sugar filling and a sweet vanilla glaze poured over the top.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled

For the cinnamon filling

• ¾ cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
3. While mixing, slowly add the melted butter and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Make the cinnamon filling

5. In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter.
7. Use a knife to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake

8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing.

Prepare the glaze

10. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or sugar if needed.
11. Pour the glaze over the warm cake before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon roll cake delivers all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in a simple, easy-to-make cake form. It features a soft, fluffy texture with a rich cinnamon swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze that melts into every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a comforting bake that requires no yeast or complicated steps.

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Tips

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
• Use room-temperature butter for the filling to make it easier to spread and swirl.
• Swirl gently for a marbled effect rather than fully mixing it in.
• Let the cake cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a deeper flavor.
• Use cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer topping.
• Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warm spice notes.

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FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature.

Can I freeze cinnamon roll cake?
Yes, freeze it without glaze, then thaw and add glaze before serving.

Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter can make the texture heavy instead of fluffy.

Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
Both work, but salted butter adds a slightly richer flavor balance.

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Serving

Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced into squares. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a simple milk-based drink. It’s ideal for breakfast spreads, brunch tables, or dessert trays.

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Suggestions

• Add a drizzle of extra glaze just before serving for a bakery-style finish.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for added texture.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast option.
• Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert version.